The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill seven primary and alternate seats on its advisory council, according to an announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Applications are being accepted through Feb. 28 for the following seats: business/commerce (primary), Molokai Island (primary and alternate), Native Hawaiian (primary), Oahu island (primary and alternate) and tourism (primary).

The council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice to sanctuary management, according to the announcement. Members serve a two-year term. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. It is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

To receive an application kit or for more information, see the sanctuary website, hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/council/council_app_accepting.html,or contact Shannon Ruseborn at Shannon.Ruseborn@noaa.gov or (808) 725-5905. Completed applications should be submitted to NOAA Inouye Regional Center, NOS/HIHWNMS/Shannon Ruseborn, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176, Honolulu 96818.